Daily Express

Tottenham Hotspur's opening match of the 2025/26 campaign has now been set following their Europa League triumph over Manchester United. In a tightly contested clash with minimal opportunities, Spurs secured the title courtesy of a Brennan Johnson strike just before the interval. Despite United pushing hard after the break, Tottenham remained composed and rarely looked threatened, sealing a narrow 1-0 victory.

Lifting the Europa League puts an end to Spurs' 17-year trophy drought. Prior to Wednesday's final, their most recent piece of silverware was the League Cup back in 2008. The win also means they'll be playing Champions League football next season, despite ending their Premier League campaign just above the relegation zone. But before their return to Europe's premier club competition begins, they'll take part in the UEFA Super Cup.

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Each August, the Europa League champions go head-to-head with the Champions League winners for the first piece of continental silverware of the season. The upcoming match will be held at the Stadio Friuli in Udine, home ground of Italian side Udinese.

Tottenham are now confirmed participants and will meet either PSG or Inter Milan in that final showdown. Those two will battle for the Champions League crown on Saturday, May 31 in Munich.

The UEFA Super Cup - a competition Spurs have never won before - has been scheduled for Wednesday, August 13 - just days ahead of the opening weekend of the Premier League season. Tottenham will learn their domestic schedule on Wednesday, June 18, and the Champions League group stage draw will follow on Thursday, August 28.

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Manchester City were the last English team to win the Super Cup, doing so in 2023 following their Champions League triumph. Chelsea won it in 2021, months after beating City in an all-English Champions League final, while Liverpool clinched the title in 2019 following their win over Spurs in the European showpiece.

In the last 11 years, the Europa League winners have lifted the Super Cup just once. Atletico Madrid managed the feat in 2018, beating Champions League winners and arch rivals Real Madrid.

Tottenham have never competed in the Super Cup, despite previously winning the UEFA Cup (now Europa League) in 1972 and 1984. This is because the Super Cup, which was first launched in 1973, was initially contested between the winners of the European Cup (now Champions League) and the Cup Winners' Cup. The format changed in 2000, pitting the winners of Europe's top two club competitions against each other in the season curtain-raiser.

Ange Postecoglou proved he is no clown by leading Tottenham to their first trophy for 17 years over the circus that is Manchester United. On the eve of the game the Spurs boss took umbrage at the depiction of him as a figure of ridicule, but had the last laugh by masterminding this win.

Big Ange invited ridicule early in the campaign by stating he always wins a trophy in his second season, but that proud boast was vindicated on a historic night in Bilbao.

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Despite leading Spurs to a memorable triumph and a coveted place in the Champions League worth up to £100million Postecoglou is set to depart at the end of the season

But if he does leave, it will be with his head held high, the Aussie manager's bruised reputation restored by this triumph, despite a shocking Premier League campaign.

For United, who failed to show up in the San Mames Stadium, there will be non European football next season for only the second time in three decades.

Ruben Amorim's side arrived in Bilbao as the only unbeaten side in major European competition this season, but that proud run came to an inglorious end.

For a European final to be contested by two such poor sides did little for the prestige of the competition. And fittingly, for two sides grubbing around near the foot of the Premier League, this showpiece event was desperately short on quality.

Spurs conjured the first chance after 10 minutes, Brennan Johnson seizing on a mix-up between Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, Andre Onana making a smart save to keep out the winger's angled shot.

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United fans thought they had taken the lead in the 15th minute, when Amad unleashed a fierce strike, beating Guigliemo Vicario, but the ball flew inches wide of the far post.

With so much at stake for both teams and predictably, for an encounter between sides in 16th and 17th position in the Premier League, there was little flow or fluency to the game throughout.

The breakthrough goal, when it came in the 42nd minute, was scrappy and ugly, United's defence failing to deal with Pape Sarr's cross, with Shaw the main culprit.

The United defender allowed Brennan Johnson to get in front of him, the ball spinning off him and beyond Andre Onana, who flapped at it to no avail.

Tottenham's fans erupted in euphoria as Johnson wheeled away in celebration, United's players left to rue another game in which they had conceded first, the 31st time they have suffered that fate this season.

With Spurs content to sit back and protect their lead, the onus was on United to play with greater urgency and purpose, to plunder the goal they needed to get back into the game.

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But Amorim's side continued to labour, the United boss cutting an increasingly frustrated figure on the touchline, as his players failed to do themselves justice.

When Spurs did break out from their policy of containment, they were found wanting, never more so than in the 61st minute when Dominic Solanke had sight of the United goal but his first touch let him down.

United looked to have levelled in the 68th minute when Hojlund sent a looping header towards the goal with Vicario stranded, but Micky van de Ven produced an acrobatic clearance to stop the ball going over the line.

Amorim had to make changes and brought on Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee, the former making an instant impact by forcing a save from Vicario in the 74th minute, who also saved from Shaw late in added time.

But it was ultimately too little, too late, as Spurs and Postecoglou held out to secure a memorable triumph.

Tottenham's long wait for a trophy is over after Brennan Johnson's first-half goal gave them a 1-0 win over Manchester United in the Europa League final. Three minutes before half-time, the forward scrambled the ball home from close range after it deflected into his path of Luke Shaw, and Ange Postecoglou's side held onto the lead in the second half.

United were bitterly disappointing, and despite pushing forward late on, they struggled to create chances. One opening did fall their way when Spurs keeper Guglielmo Vicario fumbles a cross, but Rasmus Hojlund's header was brilliantly cleared off the line by Micky van de Ven. After a nervy seven minutes of injury time, the final whistle signalled an emotional reaction from Postecoglou and the club's players and fans.

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Express Sport brings you the Tottenham player ratings from Bilbao...

TOTTENHAM (4-3-3)

Gugliemlo Vicario: Spent the game flapping at shots and corners. Instilled no confidence in Spurs whatsoever. Looked nervous from start to finish before a crucial injury time save from Luke Shaw's header. 6

Pedro Porro: His deliveries were a real threat to United's defence. Did his job in both attack and defence, despite his side coming under increased pressure. 7

Cristian Romero: Great clearance in opening 15 minutes. Led his defence well and grew into the game. Always came up with the answers. 7

Micky Van de Ven: Outstanding at the back from start to finish. Produced one incredible goal-line clearance to help his side win the game. 8

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Destiny Udogie: Nervy start. Almost sliced a clearance into his own goal. Looked vulnerable trying to stop Amad Diallo and became a weak link. 5

Rodrigo Bentancur: Stuck to the task his manager gave him. And got his rewards with a winners medal and place in the history books. 7

Yves Bissouma: Did the work of two men, in a bid to stop United flooding through midfield. Incredible energy levels. A great effort. 7

Pape Sarr: Failed to complete a pass in the opening 20 minutes. Then delivered the crucial cross for his side's opening goal. 7

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Brennan Johnson: Had flitted in and out of the game, before opening the scoring with a scrappy but precious goal. A night he will never forget. 7

Dominik Solanke: Worked tirelessly leading the attack, but got little or no change out of the United defence. And blew golden chance to make it 2-0. 6

Richarlison: Preferred to Son, so had to deliver. But spent most of the evening complaining to the officials. Got hauled off in the end. 5

SUBS:

Son (for Richarlison) 67, 7.

Kevin Danso (for Johnson), 79, 7.

Djed Spence (for Solanke) 90, N/A.

Manchester United were beaten 1-0 by Tottenham in a drab Europa League final of very few chances. The loss compounds the worst season in United's history as they sit 16th in the Premier League table.

Spurs took the lead three minutes before half-time when Brennan Johnson turned in Pape Matar Sarr's cross from the left wing after the ball took a fortunate bounce off Luke Shaw. Rasmus Hojlund thought he had drawn the Red Devils level midway through the second half but his header was cleared off the line by a remarkable acrobatic effort from Micky van de Ven.

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Vicario made a match-winning save deep into added time, sprawling to his left to keep out a Shaw header. Express Sport takes a look at how each of the United players performed in Bilbao...

Man Utd player ratings in Europa League final

Man Utd (3-4-2-1)

Onana - 5

Made a fine save to keep out a Johnson shot early on but flapped at the ball for the opener and was not aggressive enough in coming for it.

Mazraoui - 5

Made a vital headed clearance early on, with Richarlison waiting behind him to meet the ball, but the opening goal came down his flank.

Maguire - 6

Produced some committed and decisive challenges but was also culpable for the opening goal by failing to intercept the cross.

Yoro - 5

Too hesitant and sloppy in possession early on, but got away with it. More disciplined and diligent with his passing after the break.

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Shaw - 4

Slow to react when dealing with the cross that led to Tottenham's opener, allowing Johnson to get in front of him, leading to an own goal.

Dorgu - 5

Misplaced passes early on, but pushed forward down the left at every opportunity. Did not get tight enough to Johnson for the opener.

Casemiro - 5

The return to form that saw him reclaim his starting place in recent months deserted him here when it mattered most.

Fernandes - 5

Captain did not play with his customary flair and industry, lacking his usual influence. Spent too much time complaining to the ref.

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Amad - 6

Shot just wide after 15 minutes. His pace and quick feet caused Udogie problems in the first-half. Booked for a shirt pull on him.

Mount - 5

Got the nod ahead of Garnacho after impressing in recent games, but was a peripheral figure in the first-half. Little better after the break.

Hojlund - 4

Clattered by Romero inside five minutes and was on the end of some brutal treatment, but offered nothing up front, as per usual.

Subs:

Zirkzee (Hojlund, 71)

Garnacho (Mount, 71)

Dalot (Mazraoui, 85)

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has acknowledged the infamous "lads, it's Tottenham" remark as "derogatory", yet admits that during his tenure, the Red Devils always had an air of confidence against Spurs.

The two sides are set to clash in a high-stakes Europa League final, with Tottenham hoping to secure their fourth victory over Manchester United this season. Despite this, United are tipped as the favourites, with the added incentive of Champions League qualification for the victor.

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During Scholes' illustrious career at Old Trafford, United were the powerhouse of English football, while Tottenham were not seen as contenders, although they were on the cusp of something special towards the end of his playing days. The phrase "Lads, it's Tottenham" became emblematic of Sir Alex Ferguson's nonchalant pre-match comments when facing the London club, encapsulating the psychological edge United felt they held.

Scholes reflected on the saying during an interview with TNT Sports: "'Lads, it's Tottenham' - It feels a bit derogatory to talk about such a great football club like that. We were always confident against Tottenham. You still have to play against a team with very good footballers."

In response, Tottenham icon Glenn Hoddle quipped with a twist on the famous line, suggesting: "Maybe in that dressing room Ange is saying, 'Listen lads, it's only Man Utd'."

Micky van de Ven, who faced ridicule upon his arrival at Tottenham due to the club's trophy drought, shared: "It will be a big thing, of course, because everybody knows that when you join Tottenham, you get the words through of: 'Ah, you're not going to win a trophy, you will be trophyless for the rest of your career. All the guys that came up here were like: 'We're going to change something about this club'."

UEFA have stepped in to block Tottenham's pre-match plans for tonight's Europa League final. The clash at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao kicks-off at 8pm, with both Spurs and Manchester United bidding to salvage their wretched domestic seasons.

Ange Postecoglou is under huge pressure, with the club already confined to its worst-ever Premier League campaign. He's also out to silence critics after previously vowing to win silverware in his second season at the club. However, just hours before the game that could define his tenure, the Aussie boss has been handed an unwelcome disruption.

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The London club arrived in Spain with flowers for a planned to offer a tribute to Athletic Bilbao legend Rafael Moreno, better known as 'Pichichi'. He died in 1922 aged just 29, but his name has remained etched in club folklore after helping the club to four Copa del Rey crowns and five regional titles.

It has been a long-standing tradition for all clubs playing at Athletic Bilbao's home ground for the first time to lay flowers in his memory. Tottenham captain Son Heung-min had been due to do the honours on the pitch ahead of the game.

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However, UEFA officials have now scuppered Tottenham's plans. The authority has claimed that such a ceremony should only take place when a team first plays against Athletic Bilbao, and not against a neutral team.

United made their own floral Pichichi tribute ahead of the first leg of the Europa League semi-final in Bilbao, which they won 3-0. Spurs officials would have been permitted to lay flowers in tribute on Tuesday evening after the first-team squad trained at the venue, but were not made aware of that until this afternoon.

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Pichichi has his own statue outside the entrance to the stadium, which also hosted the 2024 Women's Champions League final. Furthermore, since 1927, the Pichichi Trophy has been awarded to La Liga’s top scorer each season.

United have also been forced to change plans ahead of the clash. Ruben Amorim’s side will wear black shorts instead of their traditional white, as their opponents were deemed the 'home' team for the final.

Domino’s is turning up the heat ahead of the Europa League final by unveiling a live billboard outside Tottenham Hotspur Stadium cheekily highlighting Spur’s prolonged silverware drought.

The North London team is heading to the final at the Estadio de San Mamés in Bilbao, against Manchester United, after a less than impressive Premier League season which has left them languishing near the bottom of the table.

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To showcase just how long it’s been since the Lilywhites have won a trophy, the pizza brand has unveiled the digital billboard outside their home ground.

It’s displaying a huge figure playfully showing the number of pizzas delivered in the UK and Ireland since 2008, the club’s last trophy win.

Totalling well over a billion pizzas (more than 1,569,226,205) – that amount is enough pizza to cover the Tottenham’s home ground 25,873 times.

The billboard was unveiled as today marks 17 years, two months and twenty-four days, or 6,279 days, since they last lifted a major prize. With this being the 2008 League Cup, when they overcame Chelsea to win 2-1.

A spokesperson for Domino’s said: "We’re not taking sides, but if Spurs deliver in Bilbao, we’ll happily reset the counter to zero. We always deliver– now it’s their turn to do the same in the final. And of course, all eyes are on Ange… no pressure, mate."

The nearest Spurs have come to winning a major trophy in recent years was 2021, when they lost out to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the EFL Cup final.

And they’ll be doubly hoping for success on May 21st, as a trophy in the cabinet would allow them to justifiably claim they’d had a ‘better’ season than deadly rivals Arsenal.

The Gooners fought until the late stages of the Premier League race as well as the Champions League, before being eliminated in the semi-finals by Paris Saint Germain.

But Mikel Arteta’s side will end the season with nothing – even if they finish runners-up in the league, compared to Spurs’ lower-mid-table finish.

To make matters worse, former talisman Harry Kane – Spurs’ most successful striker of the modern era – just picked up his first major team trophy as a player. He was part of the Bayern Munich side which recently clinched the Bundesliga, crowning them champions of Germany for the 34th time.

Manchester United have been forced to alter their traditional kit ahead of the Europa League final against Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao on Wednesday evening.

The match presents an opportunity for Ruben Amorim and Ange Postecoglou to secure silverware following challenging seasons, with the winner also securing a place in next season's Champions League.

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Both teams have already touched down in Spain in preparation for Wednesday's showdown. However, United will sport a slightly different look when they step onto the pitch at San Mames.

It has been revealed that Amorim's squad will don black shorts - a departure from their usual white - paired with their iconic red shirts and black socks.

This change is due to Spurs' longstanding European tradition. The North London club has sported all-white kits in Europe since 1961, a custom initiated by former manager Bill Nicholson.

Given that Spurs are designated as the 'home' team for the match, their kit choice takes precedence over United's. The rationale behind Spurs' all-white kit tradition dates back over six decades, with Nicholson aiming to enhance visibility for his players in stadiums with subpar lighting facilities.

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This tradition was inaugurated during an away match against Polish side Gornik. "We just turned up in the dressing room for the game and there was the all-white kit," recalled former Spurs star Cliff Jones.

"No-one said anything; nothing was said to us. We just focused on the game coming up."

Ricky George, reflecting on his apprenticeship days, said: "The all-white kit was for visibility. It was Bill Nick's way of looking for those marginal gains. Those nights at White Hart Lane, under the lights, were just very special.

"We loved playing in all-white," confirmed Jones. "I honestly cannot say for certain it made any difference in making us see each other better under the floodlights, but we did love playing in it. European nights, we felt fresher, the air was different."

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United have been no strangers to tweaking their kit as the season progresses.

With a sartorial twist earlier this year, they donned black shorts at Real Sociedad in March. The match ended 1-1 after goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Mikel Oyarzabal.

They went back to their classic white shorts for the home leg at Old Trafford, where they celebrated a resounding 4-1 victory fuelled by a Bruno Fernandes hat-trick.

Regardless, United know that the kit is secondary to their overarching desire to claim the Europa League title and clinch a Champions League spot.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will clash at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao tonight, with Europa League glory at stake. Ruben Amorim and Ange Postecoglou have the opportunity to salvage something from their disastrous seasons by lifting unlikely silverware and qualifying for the Champions League.

Tottenham haven't competed in a major final since falling short against Liverpool to miss out on the Champions League in 2019. Meanwhile, United are entering their fourth final in three years, having clinched the League Cup in 2023 before back-to-back FA Cup finals against Manchester City. With the stage set in the Basque Country, it's worth taking a look at the basic order of things both teams face.

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Express Sport runs through the brief rules for the Europa League final...

The Team Sheets

Each club must submit their team sheet at least 75 minutes before kick-off in Bilbao.

They must confirm up to 23 players and 15 team officials, one of whom must be a team doctor.

If there are fewer than seven players on either team, the match will be suspended or cancelled. Luckily, neither Amorim's nor Postecoglou's injury woes have been that bad.

The Match

The final is being played as one single match at a neutral and predetermined stadium, rather than the two-legged format of the previous knockout rounds.

If there is no separating United and Spurs after normal time, they will play two 15-minute periods of extra time.

In this case, the players will remain on the pitch during a five-minute break between full-time in normal time and extra-time kick-off.

The Europa League final will be determined by a penalty shoot-out if there is still no winner after 30 minutes of extra time.

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Substitutions

Up to five of the substitutes named in each team's matchday squad can take part in the match. If the match goes to extra time, a sixth substitute can be introduced.

Both teams can stop the game a maximum of three times to make substitutes, plus one extra stoppage in the case of a sixth change after normal time.

Substitutions made before the match, during half-time, between full-time and the start of extra time and half-time of extra time don't use one of the four stoppages.

Should a player named in either starting line-up suffer an injury or illness before kick-off, they can be replaced by a registered player not previously listed in the squad.

Referees

VAR and goal-line technology will be in operation for the final, as it has been throughout the Europa League campaign.

Germany's Felix Zwayer has been appointed the referee, with compatriots Robert Kempter and Christian Dietz his assistants.

Maurizio Mariani and Daniele Bindoni of Italy have been appointed the fourth official and reserve assistant referee.

Bastian Dankert will act as the VAR, assisted by fellow German Benjamin Brand. Spain's Carlos del Cerro Grande will be on VAR support duty.

Tottenham are gearing up for a potential trophy celebration through the streets of north London, with plans for a parade if they topple Manchester United in the upcoming Europa League final.

Spurs and United both stumbled in their latest Premier League bouts on Friday, with Spurs knocked back by a 2-0 defeat at Aston Villa and United dropping points in a 1-0 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, positioning them in 16th and 17th ahead of the weekend's matches, and facing their worst finishing spots in league history.

While Spurs have dreams of glory and parades, having not tasted European success since 1984, their next opponents, Manchester United, plagued by a disappointing season and financial woes, are taking a more subdued approach should they reign victorious; planning merely a casual barbeque rather than any grand festivities following the Bilbao-based final.

In stark contrast, Tottenham has eyes set on ending their drought, pending a glittering victory in San Mames, as they reach out to the local community with warm announcements: "Dear Neighbour, we hope this finds you well.